Penang: Penang continues to strengthen the development of the halal industry in Malaysia through the PERDA Halal Park Phase 2 industrial development project, worth RM33 million, in North Seberang Perai (SPU).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA) chairman Datuk Dr Shaik Hussein Mydin stated that the development on a 4.4-hectare (ha) land at Lot 21328 Mukim 12, Kubang Menerong, is a continuation of Phase 1, completed in 2015. He emphasized that the project is not just an ordinary development, but an industrial hub that will meet recognised halal quality and integrity standards, showcasing PERDA's commitment to developing competitive halal infrastructure in the state.
"The Phase 2 project has received Planning Permission approval on Feb 26, and we are targeting construction work to officially start in July. The construction work is expected to take 24 months, and we will be able to see it fully completed by July 2028," Shaik Hussein said at the ground-breaking ceremony for the PERDA Halal Park Phase 2 Industrial Development.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also the Minister of Rural Development and Regional (KKDW). Also present were Deputy KKDW Minister Deputy Datuk Rubiah Wang, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I and Penang Halal Industry Development Council chairman Datuk Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid, and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
Shaik Hussein further explained that the PERDA Halal Park Phase 2 was designed as a complete business ecosystem to support the growth of the local halal industry. Key components of the project include the construction of 22 single-storey terrace industrial units for halal product production, along with supporting facilities such as administrative offices, a surau, a multipurpose hall, toilets, a food complex with five stall units, and a waste collection centre.
He mentioned that an area of 120 acres (52.2 ha) has been allocated for the development of the halal industry, recognized by the Halal Malaysia (HALMAS) accreditation from the Halal Development Corporation (HDC) since 2011. This area is considered a strategic asset, developed through long-term planning over two decades.
Shaik Hussein highlighted that 40 acres or 33 per cent of the master plan has been developed in phases, with successful completions of Phase 1 involving earthworks in 2005, followed by subsequent phases in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2015. The development has led to the operation of the PERDA Food Park and Midtown, housing 27 small and medium-sized industrial factory units and 20 industrial lots for sale, with a total cost exceeding RM28 million.
He concluded by noting that approximately 70 acres of development areas remain ready for advancement, providing opportunities for the future expansion of the halal industry.